You’re scrolling through social media and stumble upon some eye-catching art. Colorful panels with dramatic poses, emotive characters, and fantastical settings catch your attention. The style looks familiar yet unfamiliar. Upon closer inspection, you realize this captivating visual storytelling comes from manhwa, the South Korean version of graphic novels and comics. Manhwa has seen a recent surge in popularity, exposing readers worldwide to imaginative tales and a vibrant art form.
One especially popular manhwa is “That Which Flows,” a historical fantasy series following a swordsman with mysterious healing abilities. The manhwa features political intrigue, supernatural elements, comedy, drama, and action – there’s something for every reader. If you’re looking to delve into a new genre or discover an underappreciated art medium, manhwa like “That Which Flows” offers an ideal introduction. Let’s explore the world of manhwa and why this genre has captured so many imaginations.
What Is That Which Flows by Manhwa?
That Which Flows by Manhwa is a genre of South Korean comics aimed at teens and young adults. Unlike typical superhero comics, That Which Flows by Manhwa stories often focus on everyday issues like relationships, friendships and self-discovery.
- The art style is colorful and emotive, using visual techniques like dramatic angles, exaggerated expressions, and ornate backgrounds to set the mood. Speech bubbles and fonts are also customized to reflect characters’ personalities or emotions.
- Stories can range from lighthearted romantic comedies to more serious tales dealing with issues like bullying, family problems or trauma. However, there is usually an uplifting message of hope, empathy or perseverance.
- Popular That Which Flows by Manhwa works include Solo Leveling, True Beauty, Lookism, and I Love Yoo. Many have been adapted into popular K-dramas, further spreading their popularity and impact.
- You can find That Which Flows by Manhwa on sites like WEBTOON, Tapas, and Tappytoon. Many works are available for free, with new episodes updating weekly. Paid subscription options provide early access to the latest episodes.
- If you’re looking for an escape from everyday worries, want to experience modern Korean culture, or just crave an uplifting story, give That Which Flows by Manhwa a try. You may just find your new favorite characters and stories in this vibrant genre.
Summary of the Story and Main Characters
The story follows Yeonhwa, a princess who discovers she has mysterious powers over water. She lives in a kingdom where certain people, known as “Flowers,” have been born with the ability to control one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Yeonhwa is a “Water Flower,” though she has kept her powers hidden for years.
Main Characters
Yeonhwa, the protagonist, is a kind-hearted princess betrothed to marry the prince of another kingdom. Though dutiful and poised, she struggles with her secret ability to control water.
Her love interest is her betrothed, Prince Muhyul. Though arrogant at first, he comes to care deeply for Yeonhwa. As a “Fire Flower,” Muhyul can control flames and heat.
Yeonhwa’s handmaiden, Seoryung, discovers Yeonhwa’s power but promises to keep it secret. Seoryung acts as a confidant and helps Yeonhwa navigate her ability.
The villain is Lord Yong, a power-hungry “Earth Flower” set on conquering all kingdoms. Ruthless and cruel, he will stop at nothing to increase his dominion over the land.
Other characters include Yeonhwa’s family: her kind father, the king, and her stern mother, the queen, who expects Yeonhwa to fulfill her duty as a princess. Yeonhwa’s younger brother, the prince, also plays a role in the story.
The tale follows Yeonhwa as she grapples with her power, her duty as a princess, and her forbidden love for Muhyul. All the while, the sinister threat of Lord Yong looms over the kingdoms. Will Yeonhwa master her ability in time to stop his evil schemes? The story is a journey of self-discovery, love, and courage against adversity.
Themes and Symbolism in That Which Flows
That Which Flows explores several key themes through its fantastical story and symbolism.
The Cycle of Life and Death
A major theme is the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This is represented by the Flow, the mystical river that carries souls to the afterlife before depositing them in new mortal bodies. Even the gods are subject to this cycle, as we see with the Moon Goddess’s reincarnation. The Flow reminds us that death is only a transition into new life.
The Importance of Cherishing Each Moment
Because existence is fleeting, the story emphasizes living fully in each moment. Characters like the orphan boy and Yuna, the Moon Goddess, show us that every life has meaning, however short or long. We should embrace beauty and connection when we find it, instead of dwelling on loss or worrying about the uncertainty of the future.
The Power of Love
Love is portrayed as a driving force that transcends mortality and the physical world. The orphan boy’s love for the Moon Goddess, in her various incarnations, persists through lifetimes. Likewise, Yuna’s love for the mortal boy causes her to willingly leave her heavenly realm to be reborn in his world. Love gives life deep meaning and purpose.
Finding Purpose and Meaning
Many characters grapple with questions about the purpose and meaning of life. Yuna wrestles with her duty as Moon Goddess versus her desire to live freely. The orphan boy seeks his destiny and a reason for being. They both come to realize that purpose is self-determined through the connections we form and the choices we make to bring more love into the world, however small.
The story’s themes are conveyed through a lyrical narrative that reminds us life’s deepest truths: love fully, find purpose, and embrace the eternal cycle that makes us both infinitely small and vast beyond measure.
Unique Art Style of That Which Flows
The art style of That Which Flows is unique and helps bring the fantasy world to life. The manhwa is colored and the artist pays close attention to shading and lighting.
Scenery and Backgrounds
The backgrounds are highly detailed, featuring lush forests, snowy mountains and fantastical cityscapes. The amount of detail makes the scenery feel realistic and helps immerse the reader in the world. The changing of the seasons is also shown through the backgrounds, with spring bringing cherry blossom trees and winter bringing snow.
Character Designs
The character designs are unique and intricate. The outfits, especially for the nobility, are complex with many layers and details. The characters also have a variety of different hair and eye colors, including unnatural shades of blue, pink and purple which gives a whimsical feel. The diverse range of character designs, from beastmen to elves to humans, highlights the variety of races that inhabit this world.
Action Scenes
The action scenes are dynamic and fast-paced. Effects like speed lines, impact bursts, and screen tones are used to depict movement and energy. The magic and special abilities of characters are brought to life with colorful and dramatic effects. The action scenes, combined with the level of detail in the art, help to convey the sense of wonder and adventure in the story.
The art style of That Which Flows is key to bringing its fantasy world and story to life. The amount of detail and color, the character and outfit designs, the backgrounds, the changing of the seasons, and the impactful action scenes all work together to create a visual spectacle and sense of immersion for the reader. The manhwa is a treat for the eyes and a joy to read.
Why You Should Read That Which Flows by Manhwa
That Which Flows is a unique manhwa that provides an entertaining escape from reality. Here are a few reasons why you should add this to your reading list:
The story is highly imaginative.
The plot revolves around a world where people’s memories and personalities can be extracted into physical forms. These extractions, called “flows,” have a life of their own and often get into mischief. This bizarre yet clever concept makes for an incredibly creative tale.
The characters are quirky and fun.
The main characters—Somi, an upbeat girl with flowing red hair, and her flow companion Nabi—have charming and amusing personalities. Their lighthearted adventures and humorous banter will put a smile on your face. The supporting characters are also delightfully quirky, from a grumpy old man to a pair of mischievous twin flows.
The artwork is stunning.
Manhwa are Korean graphic novels, and the visuals in That Which Flows do not disappoint. The artist’s style is colorful, whimsical and brings the story to life. Beautiful scenery, creative character designs and imaginative flow forms fill each panel. The visuals alone are enough reason to pick up this manhwa.
It’s a quick, entertaining read.
Each chapter is short, around 10 to 15 minutes of reading time. This makes That Which Flows perfect for when you want a quick escape from your day without a major time commitment. The story moves at a brisk pace and balances humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments to keep you engaged the whole way through.
Whether you’re a manhwa fan looking for something new or just in need of a fun, imaginative story, That Which Flows is sure to delight. Let this quirky little tale sweep you away to a world of whimsy and wonder.
Conclusion
So now you’ve got the overview of this unique manhwa and understand why it’s worth checking out. The captivating story, relatable characters, and stunning visuals provide an experience unlike any other. Give That Which Flows a chance – you won’t regret it. Once you start reading, you’ll get swept away by the current of emotions and find yourself eagerly awaiting the next chapter. While the manhwa may still be ongoing, the journey thus far has been unforgettable. So take a deep breath and dive in – a whole new world is waiting for you in the pages of That Which Flows. The adventures of Yoone and her friends will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
